EastEnders has confirmed that Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) will return to Walford later this year, four years after his latest appearance. The character, who first appeared on Albert Square two decades ago, is set for a longer stint, marking his first permanent return in 17 years.
Sean's History in Walford
Sean is remembered by fans for his whirlwind romance with Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) and his dynamic with mum Jean (Gillian Wright) and sister Stacey (Lacey Turner), which produced some of the soap's finest scenes. He left the Square in a regular capacity in 2009 after discovering Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) was the biological father of Roxy's daughter Amy (Ellie Dadd).
He made guest appearances over the years, including a powerful week of episodes in 2019 when Jean worried about his mental health. He also made unannounced one-off returns in 2021, when Jean contacted him after Stacey married Eve Unwin in prison, and in 2022 via a video call after Stacey expressed concerns about Jean.
Return Details and Reaction
This time, Sean will stick around for more than one episode, with his return marking the first time he'll be permanently settled in Walford in 17 years. He is back for his family, with reasons still to become clear as he gets embroiled in Square drama.
Rob Kazinsky said: 'I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 19 years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean's Shoes again, but this time as a man to see who Sean the man might also be.'
He added: 'I wanted to do it for Sean, I wanted to do it for the fans that have supported me in every role since I left the Square but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me. I'm home, and I can't wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can.'
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, said: 'I'm delighted to welcome Rob Kazinsky back to EastEnders as he reprises the role of Sean Slater later this year. Sean Slater was a big part of the Slater family and as viewers will already know, where Sean goes, drama is not far behind.'
Previous Comments and Context
News of the comeback comes months after Rob told Metro for its Beyond The Bubble series that he would like to return. He said: 'I would like to go back and do a nice stint on EastEnders at some point. Before I'm too old and before everybody forgets who he is, I feel Sean deserves another round, he deserves more. I would like to do that at some point. It's just can we find a storyline, can we find the time?'
